Have you ever wondered just what it takes to get on Santa’s “naughty” list? Thanks to my kids, I know. 

I will never forget the Christmas of 2003, the year my kid’s names made it on Santa’s “naughty” list. I had been out shopping for Christmas gifts and I needed a good hiding place to stash the gifts before I had a chance to wrap them.  I knew just the place, in the upstairs hall closet, in the very back behind some boxes.  You would really have to be digging to find these gifts.

A few days later, as I was coming up the stairs, I heard some “suspicious” noises. As I turned the corner, I noticed the hallway closet door was wide open. The kids were in my daughter’s room with the door shut and I could hear my daughter say, “Here, try these on.” I looked in the closet and saw that the presents that used to be hidden in the back corner, were now in the middle of the closet.  Some pajamas had been opened, and I suspected were now on my kids.  The games, the hot wheels set and the Barbie’s were now open and exposed in the closet. I began to panic as these were most of the gifts that were from Santa. I knew I had to think quickly, and I am still surprised to this day, how quickly I reacted. 

I stood by the closet waiting for them to come out of my daughter’s room. A few minutes later, they came out in their new Christmas pajamas talking about the Hot Wheels set.  When they saw me, their eyes got big, they knew they were in trouble.  I told them I was very upset that they had found their Christmas presents. Especially because these were gifts from Santa. They looked a little confused, so I told them this was the first year I had signed up for the Santa’s Parent Helper Program.  Huh!?!

I explained that Santa was a little overwhelmed with all the gifts and he needed some help. These were some of the gifts Santa asked me to get. I knew Santa would be upset because he likes everything to be a surprise. I told them to clean everything up and then go to their rooms until I called them for dinner.  

I called Hubby and told him what happened. He said, “I’ll talk to them when I get home. Don’t tell them that you told me.” I anxiously waited for him to get home. As soon as he walked in the door, he called the kids. They came down and noticed a letter in his hand. He asked them, “Do you know what I received at work today?”  They look at me, and they look back at hubby with even bigger eyes. Hubby continues, “A letter from Santa!” Silence. “It says he was doing his random checks on boys and girls today, when he saw both of you going through the closet and playing with your presents.”  He then tells them, Santa has officially moved their names to the “naughty” list. The kids now look as panicked as I did earlier today.

Hubby keeps reading, “Christmas is only a few days away, but I will give you a chance to get your name back on the “nice” list. You will have to be on your best behavior - no fighting with your brother or sister, clean your rooms and help your mom and dad. I will continue with my random checks and if I find out you have been very good, I will take your name off the “naughty” list.” More silence as we let it all soak in.

The kids apologized and for the last 3 days before Christmas, we had the most well behaved children. They were nice to each other, they asked if they could help, they picked up and cleaned up.  My daughter even asked if she could clean my room.

Occasionally, this time of year, someone will mention the “naughty” list. When they do, my kids behavior improves and they share the story of how they were once on the “naughty” list. By the way, they did make it back on to the “nice” list and did receive their presents.  Even though they knew what most of them were, they were very thankful!

I hope your children never know what it is like to be on the “naughty” list. Happy Holidays!